It’s very certain that I’m leaving PDP for APC— Akwa Ibom state Governor Pastor Umo Eno
In a move that could reshape Akwa Ibom’s political landscape, Governor Umo Eno has sparked speculation about a potential defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking during a well-attended Town Square meeting in Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency, held at QIC Central School, Ikot Akpankuk, Governor Eno hinted that the PDP, which has been his political base, might no longer be viable ahead of the 2027 general elections. Using a striking metaphor, he likened the PDP to a “spoilt plane” that may no longer be able to carry him to his next political destination.
His comments come in the wake of a growing wave of defections across the country, most notably Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s recent move to the APC with a substantial number of his supporters. Governor Eno noted the increasing fragmentation within the PDP and warned that the party could soon “grind to a halt” if the trend continues.
Although he stopped short of formally announcing a defection, Governor Eno’s words have ignited discussions about his next political move and what it could mean for Akwa Ibom and the broader Nigerian political climate as 2027 approaches.
“If you wanted to travel with Ibom Airline, and on the verge of taking off, it developed a fault that won’t enable it to fly, won’t you board the next available plane to take you to your destination?” Eno queried.
However, the governor, who enjoined the people to remain steadfast in support of his administration in its quest to deliver on its campaign promises, doled out empowerment succour to over 400 people, including business grants, cars and other freebies.
154 constituents benefited from the Traders Grant, 116 received Farmers Grant, four got N5 million each for the MSME Grant, and 131 were beneficiaries of the Equipment Support Initiative.
He, therefore, urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the resources at their disposal, warning beneficiaries to desist from deploying it to ponzi schemes or any other unintended purposes.
He said: “We need to meet with the people from time to time to see them. It’s not only during elections that we should come to see our people. We also have to come and see you in the course of governance, to check your wellbeing, to listen to you, tell you what we have done, and what we are planning to do.
This is the fourth federal constituency we have visited, we have six more to go and we will finish all in time for the budget department to capture the needs in the 2026 budget.
“We will go through your requests and tell you the ones we have decided to do, based on available funds. We might not be able to do all, but whatever is left we will add to subsequent budgets.
“We will always work with the people because this government is of the people, for the people, and by the people,” he stated.
